Technique for controlling voltage to be supplied to electric appliance

ABSTRACT

A voltage control device in one aspect of the present disclosure includes an appliance connector, a voltage output circuit, a manual switch, and a controller. The voltage output circuit outputs an operating voltage based on a direct voltage received from a direct-current power source. In response to a first electric appliance being connected to the appliance connector, the controller controls the voltage output circuit so as to fix the operating voltage. In response to a second electric appliance being connected to the appliance connector, the controller controls the voltage output circuit so as to vary the operating voltage in accordance with a manual operation applied to the manual switch.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication No. 2021-030415 filed on Feb. 26, 2021 with the Japan PatentOffice, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to controlling a voltage to be suppliedto an electric appliance.

Japanese Patent No. 6661715 discloses a heat insulated jacket having aheat generator incorporated therein. An operating voltage to be suppliedto the heat insulated jacket is controlled by a controller of a jacketelectric circuit.

SUMMARY

In general, the heat generator of the heat insulated jacket operateswith a voltage distinct from a voltage required for driving a fan of afan jacket. For this reason, the above described controller of thejacket electric circuit is not applicable to the fan jacket andtherefore, the fan jacket requires its dedicated controller forcontrolling the operating voltage. Consequently, this may degradeconvenience of the heat insulated jacket and the fan jacket.

In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to provide asingle voltage control device that can be used in multiple types ofelectric appliance.

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a voltage control device(or a power source control device). The voltage control device includesan appliance connector, a voltage output circuit, a manual switch,and/or a controller. The appliance connector is selectively connected toa first electric appliance (or a first electric equipment) or a secondelectric appliance (or a second electric equipment). The voltage outputcircuit receives a direct voltage from a direct-current power source.The voltage output circuit outputs an operating voltage based on thedirect voltage. The operating voltage is variable (or adjustable). Themanual switch is manually operated by a user of the voltage controldevice. In response to the first electric appliance being connected tothe appliance connector, the controller controls the voltage outputcircuit so as to fix the operating voltage. In response to the secondelectric appliance being connected to the appliance connector, thecontroller controls the voltage output circuit so as to vary (or changeor adjust) the operating voltage in accordance with a manual operationapplied to the manual switch.

With the above voltage control device, the first electric appliance canbe supplied with corresponding operating voltage. Furthermore, thesecond electric appliance can be supplied with its correspondingoperating voltage. The voltage control device is usable for both thefirst electric appliance and the second electric appliance, therebyimproving convenience of the first electric appliance and the secondelectric appliance.

The manual switch may be any switch configured to be manually operatedby the user. Examples of the manual switch may include a tactile switch,a membrane switch, a slide switch, a toggle switch, a Dual In-linePackage (DIP) switch, a rotary switch, a keypad, a touch switch, and atouch panel.

The first electric appliance may correspond to a first model of thefirst electric appliance or a second model of the first electricappliance.

In response to the first model of the first electric appliance beingconnected to the appliance connector, the controller may control thevoltage output circuit so as to fix the operating voltage to a firstvoltage. In response to the second model of the first electric appliancebeing connected to the appliance connector, the controller may controlthe voltage output circuit so as to fix the operating voltage to asecond voltage. The second voltage may be distinct from the firstvoltage.

The second electric appliance may correspond to a first model of thesecond electric appliance or a second model of the second electricappliance.

In response to the first model of the second electric appliance beingconnected to the appliance connector, the controller may control thevoltage output circuit so as to vary the operating voltage betweenvoltage values included in a first set of voltage values in accordancewith the manual operation. In response to the second model of the secondelectric appliance being connected to the appliance connector, thecontroller may control the voltage output circuit so as to vary theoperating voltage between voltage values included in a second set ofvoltage values in accordance with the manual operation. The second setof voltage values may include more voltage values than the first set ofvoltage values. Alternatively, the second set of voltage values mayinclude less voltage values than the first set of voltage values.

The first electric appliance may include a first connection plugincluding a first resistor. The first resistor may have a firstresistance value. The first connection plug may be configured to beconnected to the appliance connector.

The controller may detect that the first electric appliance is connectedto the appliance connector based on a voltage across the first resistor.The controller as above can easily detect that the first electricappliance is connected to the appliance connector based on the voltageacross the first resistor.

The first resistor in the first model of the first electric appliancemay have a resistance value distinct from a resistance value of thefirst resistor in the second model of the first electric appliance. Inthis case, the controller can easily identify, based on the voltageacross the first resistor, whether the first electric applianceconnected to the appliance connector is of the first model or the secondmodel.

The second electric appliance may include a second connection plugincluding a second resistor. The second resistor may have a secondresistance value. The second resistance value may be distinct from thefirst resistance value. The second connection plug may be configured tobe connected to the appliance connector.

The controller may detect that the second electric appliance isconnected to the appliance connector based on a voltage across thesecond resistor. The controller as above can easily detect that thesecond electric appliance is connected to the appliance connector basedon the voltage across the second resistor.

The second resistor in the first model of the second electric appliancemay have a resistance value distinct from a resistance value of thesecond resistor in the second model of the second electric appliance. Inthis case, the controller can easily identify, based on the voltageacross the second resistor, whether the second electric applianceconnected to the appliance connector is of the first model or the secondmodel.

The first electric appliance may include a heat generator. The firstelectric appliance may be configured in the form of a garment includingthe heat generator or a lap blanket including the heat generator.

The second electric appliance may include a fan. The fan may beconfigured to be attached to a helmet. The second electric appliance maybe configured in the form of a garment including the fan or a helmetincluding the fan.

The first electric appliance and/or the second electric appliance may beconfigured in the form of a lighting appliance. Examples of the lightingappliance may include a flash light, a head mount light, and a lantern.

Additionally, examples of the first electric appliance and/or the secondelectric appliance may include various electric appliance to be used atjob-sites, such as a do-it-yourself carpentry site, a building site, amanufacturing site, a gardening site, and a construction site.Specifically, examples of the first electric appliance and/or the secondelectric appliance may include a laser distance measure (or a laserdistance meter), a laser marker (or laser level), a light receiver of alaser marker, a wall scanner, a radio, a television, a speaker, anelectric heat insulated cooler/warmer, an electric kettle, a coffeemachine (or a coffee maker or a coffee distiller), a communicator, and aportable terminal. Examines of the portable terminal may include amobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet computer, and a laptop computer.

Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system (or powersource control system or voltage control system) including the firstelectric appliance, the second electric appliance, and/or the voltagecontrol device described above.

The system as above can exhibit the same effect as that of the voltagecontrol device described above.

Still another aspect of the present disclosure provides a methodincluding:

connecting a first electric appliance or a second electric appliance toa voltage control device;

in response to the first electric appliance being connected to thevoltage control device, fixing an operating voltage to be output fromthe voltage control device to the first electric appliance; and/or

in response to the second electric appliance being connected to thevoltage control device, varying the operating voltage to be output tothe second electric appliance in accordance with a manual operationapplied to a manual switch of the voltage control device.

The method as above can exhibit the same effect as that of the voltagecontrol device described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be describedhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system accordingto a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery pack and a battery holder;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of thebattery pack and the battery holder;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heated jacket;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of theheated jacket;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fan jacket;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the fanjacket;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a first part of a voltage controlprocess;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a second part of the voltage controlprocess;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a third part of the voltage controlprocess;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a fourth part of the voltage controlprocess;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a fifth part of the voltage controlprocess;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system accordingto a second embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a thin battery;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of thethin battery;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system accordingto a third embodiment;

FIG. 17 shows a schematic configuration of a helmet according to thethird embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system accordingto a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of ahandheld lighting device; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of ahelmet with a light.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS First Embodiment

As shown in FIG. 1, there is provided a system 1 in the firstembodiment. The system 1 includes a battery pack 2, a battery holder 3,a heated jacket (or heat insulated jacket) 4, and a fan jacket 5.

The battery pack 2 is detachably attached to various battery-operatedelectric work machines. The battery pack 2 supplies a power-supplyvoltage to a driving source (for example, a motor) of a battery-operatedelectric work machine attached to the battery pack 2.

The battery holder 3 is detachably attached to the battery pack 2. Thebattery holder 3 is selectively connected to the heated jacket 4 or thefan jacket 5. The battery holder 3 (i) receives a battery voltage VBfrom the battery pack 2 and (ii) outputs operating voltages required forthe heated jacket 4 and the fan jacket 5.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the battery holder 3 includes a holder mainbody 11. The holder main body 11 has a component(s) of the batteryholder 3 accommodated therein. The holder main body 11 includes anot-shown surface provided with a not-shown pair of grooves thereto. Thebattery pack 2 is attached to the battery holder 3 upon (i) the pair ofgrooves being engaged with a not-shown pair of guiding rails provided tothe battery pack 2 and (ii) the battery pack 2 being moved along anextending direction of the pair of guiding rails.

The battery holder 3 includes a belt clip 12. In general, a wearer wearsa belt on the waist. The battery holder 3 is attached to this belt withthe belt threaded through a space between the belt clip 12 and theholder main body 11.

The battery holder 3 includes a direct-current (DC) connector 13. The DCconnector 13 is connected to the heated jacket 4 or the fan jacket 5,The DC connector 13 of the first embodiment is in the form of areceptacle (or female connector) including a recess 13 d. In anotherembodiment, the DC connector 13 may be of various forms different fromthat of the receptacle. In still another embodiment, the DC connector 13may be of the form conforming to the Universal Serial Bus standards.

As shown in FIG. 3, the battery pack 2 includes a battery 21. Thebattery 21 outputs the battery voltage VB. The battery 21 of the firstembodiment includes two or more rechargeable batteries connected inseries. In another embodiment, the battery 21 may include a singlerechargeable battery. Alternatively, in still another embodiment, thebattery 21 may include one or more non-rechargeable batteries in placeof or in addition to one or more rechargeable batteries. The batterypack 2 includes a positive terminal 22 connected to a positive electrodeof the battery 21. The battery pack 2 includes a negative terminal 23connected to a negative electrode of the battery 21.

The DC connector 13 provided to the battery holder 3 includes a firstconnection terminal 13 a, a second connection terminal 13 b, and a thirdconnection terminal 13 c.

The battery holder 3 includes a control circuit 31. The control circuit31 of the first embodiment is in the form of a microcomputer including aCPU 31 a, a ROM 31 b, and a RAM 31 c. Various functions of the controlcircuit 31 are performed when the CPU 31 a executes a program stored ina non-transitory tangible storage medium. In the first embodiment, theROM 31 b corresponds to the non-transitory tangible storage mediumstoring the program. By the CPU 31 a executing this program, a method(s)corresponding to the program is/are carried out. Some of or the entiretyof the various functions performed by the CPU 31 a may be achieved byhardware (or a hard-wired circuit(s)). In another embodiment, thecontrol circuit 31 may be in the form of a logic circuit including twoor more electronic components. In this case, the control circuit 31 mayinclude an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and/or anApplication Specific Standard Product (ASSP). Alternatively, the controlcircuit 31 may include a programmable logic device that can configureany logic circuit(s). Examples of such a programmable logic deviceinclude a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The battery holder 3 mayinclude two or more microcomputers in place of or in addition to thecontrol circuit 31.

The battery holder 3 includes a positive terminal 32 configured to beconnected to the positive terminal 22 of the battery pack 2. The batteryholder 3 includes a negative terminal 33 configured to be connected tothe negative terminal 23 of the battery pack 2.

The battery holder 3 includes a Direct-Current to Direct-Current(DC-to-DC) converter 34. The DC-to-DC converter 34 includes a voltageinput terminal 34 a connected to the positive terminal 32. The voltageinput terminal 34 a receives the battery voltage VB from the batterypack 2. In accordance with a command from the control circuit 31, theDC-to-DC converter 34 steps down the battery voltage VB and generatesthe above-described operating voltages. The DC-to-DC converter 34includes a voltage output terminal 34 b connected to the firstconnection terminal 13 a of the DC connector 13. The DC-to-DC converter34 outputs the operating voltages from the voltage output terminal 34 b.

The battery holder 3 includes a manual switch 35. The manual switch 35of the first embodiment is in the form of a tactile switch that turns ONonly while the manual switch 35 is pressed. In another embodiment, themanual switch 35 may be of various forms different from the tactileswitch. The manual switch 35 of the first embodiment is manuallyoperated in first and second methods. The first method is a long press.The long press is a manual operation to press and hold the manual switch35 for a given length of time (for example, two seconds) or longer. Thesecond method is a short press. The short press is a manual operation topress and hold the manual switch 35 for a length of time shorter thanthe given length of time.

The battery holder 3 includes a display 36. The display 36 includesfirst through fourth indicators 36 a through 36 d. The first throughfourth indicators 36 a through 36 d of the first embodiment areconfigured to selectively light up in red or green. Each of the firstthrough fourth indicators 36 a through 36 d of the first embodimentincludes a red light emitting diode (LED) and a green LED. In anotherembodiment, each of the first through fourth indicators 36 a through 36d may include a light source different from the LED. Furthermore, eachof the first through fourth indicators 36 a through 36 d may beconfigured to selectively light up in colors different from red andgreen.

The battery holder 3 includes an overload protection circuit 37. Theoverload protection circuit 37 is provided on a ground line 40 betweenthe third connection terminal 13 c of the DC connector 13 and thenegative terminal 33. The overload protection circuit 37 forcibly stopsdischarge of the battery 21 when a value of a current discharged fromthe battery 21 exceeds a preset overload threshold.

The battery holder 3 includes an over-discharge protection circuit 38.The over-discharge protection circuit 38 is connected to the voltageinput terminal 34 a of the DC-to-DC converter 34 and to the ground line40 so as to be connected in parallel with the battery 21. Theover-discharge protection circuit 38 forcibly stops discharge of thebattery 21 when a value of the battery voltage VB is less than a presetover-discharge threshold.

The battery holder 3 includes a resistor 39. The resistor 39 includes afirst end to apply the battery voltage VB. The resistor 39 includes asecond end connected to the second connection terminal 13 b of the DCconnector 13 and to the control circuit 31.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the heated jacket 4 of the first embodiment isin the form of an upper garment to cover a body (or an upper body) andarms of the wearer. The heated jacket 4 includes a body part 41 to coverthe body of the wearer. The body part 41 includes a right-front bodypart 41 a to cover a right side of the front of the body of the wearer.The body part 41 includes a left-front body part 41 b to cover a leftside of the front of the body of the wearer. The body part 41 includes afastener 44 configured to removably couple the left-front body part 41 bto the right-front body part 41 a. The fastener 44 of the firstembodiment is in the form of a slide fastener. In another embodiment,the fastener 44 may be of various forms different from the slidefastener. The heated jacket 4 includes a right sleeve 42 to cover theright arm of the wearer. The heated jacket 4 includes a left sleeve 43to cover the left arm of the wearer.

The heated jacket 4 includes a manual switch 45. The manual switch 45 isattached to an upper part of the left-front body part 41 b. The manualswitch 45 of the first embodiment is in the form of a tactile switchthat turns ON only while the manual switch 45 is pressed. In anotherembodiment, the manual switch 45 may be of various forms different fromthe tactile switch. The manual switch 45 of the first embodiment ismanually operated in the above described first and second methods.

The body part 41 includes a battery pocket 46 to accommodate the batterypack 2 and the battery holder 3 therein. The battery pocket 46 includesan opening 46 a that is opened or closed with a fastener 47. Thefastener 47 of the first embodiment is in the form of a slide fastener.In another embodiment, the fastener 47 may be of various forms differentfrom the slide fastener.

As shown in FIG. 5, the body part 41 includes first through third heatgenerators 51 through 53, first through third positive side electricwires 54 through 56, first through third negative side electric wires 57through 59, a power-supply line 60, and a ground line 61.

In the first embodiment, the first heat generator 51 is provided betweenan outer fabric and a lining fabric of the right-front body part 41 a.In another embodiment, the first heat generator 51 may be provided to aposition different from the position between the outer fabric and thelining fabric of the right-front body part 41 a. The first heatgenerator 51 includes a heat generating part 51 a, a positive sideconnection point 51 b, a negative side connection point 51 c, a positiveside thermostat 51 d, and a negative side thermostat 51 e.

The heat generating part 51 a includes a linear carbon fiber. The carbonfiber is curved in a sinuous form at multiple locations. The heatgenerating part 51 a includes a first end attached to the positive sideconnection point 51 b. The heat generating part 51 a includes a secondend attached to the negative side connection point 51 c.

The first positive side electric wire 54 includes a first end connectedto the positive side connection point 51 b. The first positive sideelectric wire 54 includes a second end connected to the power-supplyline 60. The first positive side electric wire 54 is bent so as to passthrough an area near the positive side connection point Sib and an areanear the negative side connection point 51 c.

The positive side thermostat 51 d is provided to the first positive sideelectric wire 54 near the positive side connection point 51 b. Thenegative side thermostat 51 e is provided to the first positive sideelectric wire 54 near the negative side connection point 51 c. Each ofthe positive side thermostat 51 d and the negative side thermostat 51 eis a switch to interrupt electrical conduction to the heat generatingpart 51 a upon a temperature of each thermostat exceeding a specifiedupper limit temperature. The positive side thermostat 51 d and thenegative side thermostat 51 e are electrically connected in series tothe heat generating part 51 a.

The first negative side electric wire 57 includes a first end connectedto the negative side connection point 51 c. The first negative sideelectric wire 57 includes a second end connected to the ground line 61.

In the first embodiment, the second heat generator 52 is providedbetween an outer fabric and a lining fabric of the left-front body part41 b. In another embodiment, the second heat generator 52 may beprovided to a position different from the position between the outerfabric and the lining fabric of the left-front body part 41 a. Thesecond heat generator 52 includes a heat generating part 52 a, apositive side connection point 52 b, a negative side connection point 52c, a positive side thermostat 52 d, and a negative side thermostat 52 e.

The heat generating part 52 a includes a linear carbon fiber. The carbonfiber is curved in a sinuous form at multiple locations. The heatgenerating part 52 a includes a first end attached to the positive sideconnection point 52 b. The heat generating part 52 a includes a secondend attached to the negative side connection point 52 c.

The second positive side electric wire 55 includes a first end connectedto the positive side connection point 52 b. The second positive sideelectric wire 55 includes a second end connected to the power-supplyline 60. The second positive side electric wire 55 is bent so as to passthrough an area near the positive side connection point 52 b and an areanear the negative side connection point 52 c.

The positive side thermostat 52 d is provided to the second positiveside electric wire 55 near the positive side connection point 52 b. Thenegative side thermostat 52 e is provided to the second positive sideelectric wire 55 near the negative side connection point 52 c.

The second negative side electric wire 58 includes a first end connectedto the negative side connection point 52 c. The second negative sideelectric wire 58 includes a second end connected to the ground line 61.

In the first embodiment, the third heat generator 53 is provided betweenan outer fabric and a lining fabric of a not-shown rear body part of thebody part 41. In another embodiment, the third heat generator 53 may beprovided to a position different from the position between the outerfabric and the lining fabric of the rear body part. The third heatgenerator 53 includes a heat generating part 53 a, a positive sideconnection point 53 b, a negative side connection point 53 c, a positiveside thermostat 53 d, and a negative side thermostat 53 e.

The heat generating part 53 a includes a linear carbon fiber. The carbonfiber is curved in a sinuous form at multiple locations. The heatgenerating part 53 a includes a first end attached to the positive sideconnection point 53 b. The heat generating part 53 a includes a secondend attached to the negative side connection point 53 c.

The third positive side electric wire 56 includes a first end connectedto the positive side connection point 53 b. The third positive sideelectric wire 56 includes a second end connected to the power-supplyline 60. The third positive side electric wire 56 is bent so as to passthrough an area near the positive side connection point 53 b and an areanear the negative side connection point 53 c.

The positive side thermostat 53 d is provided to the third positive sideelectric wire 56 near the positive side connection point 53 b. Thenegative side thermostat 53 e is provided to the third positive sideelectric wire 56 near the negative side connection point 53 c.

The third negative side electric wire 59 includes a first end connectedto the negative side connection point 53 c, The third negative sideelectric wire 59 includes a second end connected to the ground line 61.

The body part 41 includes a controller 62. The controller 62 includes acontrol circuit 71, The control circuit 71 of the first embodiment is inthe form of a microcomputer including a CPU 71 a, a ROM 71 b, and a RAM71 c. Various functions of the control circuit 71 are performed when theCPU 71 a executes a program stored in a non-transitory tangible storagemedium. In the first embodiment, the ROM 71 b corresponds to thenon-transitory tangible storage medium storing such a program. By theCPU 71 a executing this program, a method(s) corresponding to theprogram is/are carried out. Some or all of the functions performed bythe CPU 71 a may be achieved by hardware (or a hard-wired circuit(s)).In another embodiment, the control circuit 71 may be in the form of alogic circuit(s) including two or more electrical components. In thiscase, the control circuit 71 may include an ASIC and/or an ASSP.Alternatively, the control circuit 71 may include a programmable logicdevice that can configure any logic circuit(s). Examples of such aprogrammable logic device include a FPGA. The controller 62 may includetwo or more microcomputers in place of or in addition to the controlcircuit 71.

The controller 62 includes a switch device 72 on the power-supply line60. The switch device 72 is switched between an ON-state and anOFF-state in accordance with a command from the control circuit 71. Inthe ON-state, the switch device 72 completes the power-supply line 60.In the OFF-state, the switch device 72 interrupts the power-supply line60. The switch device 72 of the first embodiment is in the form of asemiconductor switch. Examples of the semiconductor switch include afield-effect transistor (FET), a bipolar transistor, an insulated gatebipolar transistor (IGBT), and a solid state relay. In anotherembodiment, the switch device 72 may be in the form of a mechanicalrelay.

The controller 62 includes a display 74. The display 74 includes anindicator 74 a. The indicator 74 a of the first embodiment is configuredto selectively light up in red, white, or blue. Specifically, theindicator 74 a of the first embodiment includes a red LED, a white LED,and a blue LED. In another embodiment, the indicator 74 a may include alight source different from the LED. In another embodiment, theindicator 74 a may be configured to selectively light up in colorsdifferent from red, white, and blue.

The controller 62 includes an overload protection circuit 75 on theground line 61. The overload protection circuit 75 forcibly stopselectrical conduction to the first through third heat generators 51through 53 when a first condition is fulfilled. The first condition isfulfilled when a value of a current flowing through the ground line 61exceeds a preset overload threshold.

The body part 41 includes a plug 63. The plug 63 includes a firstconnection terminal 63 a connected to the power-supply line 60. The plug63 includes a resistor 63 d. The plug 63 includes a second connectionterminal 63 b connected to a first end of the resistor 63 d. The plug 63includes a third connection terminal 63 c directly connected to theground line 61 not through the resistor 63 d. The resistor 63 d includesa second end connected to the ground line 61.

The resistor 63 d has a resistance value corresponding to (or associatedwith) a model (or type) of the heated jacket 4. In the first embodiment,the heated jacket 4 has a first model and a second model. Hereinafter,the heated jacket 4 of the first model is referred to as a first heatedjacket, and the heated jacket 4 of the second model is referred to as asecond heated jacket.

The body part 41 includes a cord 64 attached thereto. The cord 64 coversthe power-supply line 60 and the ground line 61 between the controller62 and the plug 63.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the plug 63 includes an insertion portion 63 eprotruding so as to be inserted into the recess 13 d of the DC connector13. The first through third connection terminals 63 a through 63 c ofthe plug 63 are provided inside the insertion portion 63 e.

The cord 64, which is placed inside the battery pocket 46, can be drawnout thereof through the opening 46 a.

The heated jacket 4 is configured such that the electrical conduction tothe first through third heat generators 51 through 53 start in responseto the long press of the manual switch 45 being performed. Subsequently,the electrical conduction to the first through third heat generators 51through 53 stops in response to the long press of the manual switch 45being performed again.

The heated jacket 4 is configured to switch operation modes of theheated jacket 4. In the first embodiment, the operation modes can beswitched between “a high temperature setting”, “a medium temperaturesetting” and “a low temperature setting”. The operation modes areswitched to the high temperature setting immediately after theelectrical conduction to the first through third heat generators 51through 53 starts. Subsequently, every time the short press of themanual switch 45 is performed, the operation modes are sequentiallyswitched to the high temperature setting, the medium temperaturesetting, and the low temperature setting in this order.

In the first embodiment, upon the operation modes being switched to thehigh temperature setting, the indicator 74 a of the display 74 lights upin red. Upon the operation modes being switched to the mediumtemperature setting, the indicator 74 a lights up in white. Upon theoperation modes being switched to the low temperature setting, theindicator 74 a lights up in blue.

The control circuit 71 outputs a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal tothe switch device 72. The PWM signal has a first duty ratio for the hightemperature setting, a second duty ratio for the medium temperaturesetting, and a third duty ratio for the low temperature setting. In thefirst embodiment, the first duty ratio is the largest. The second dutyratio is the second largest. The third duty ratio is the smallest. Thus,the heated jacket 4 generates the largest heat in the high temperaturesetting and the smallest heat in the low temperature setting.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the fan jacket 5 of the first embodiment is inthe form of an upper garment to cover a body and arms of a wearer. Thefan jacket 5 includes a body part 81 to cover the body of the wearer.The body part 81 includes a right-front body part 81 a to cover a rightside of the front of the body of the wearer. The body part 81 includes aleft-front body part 81 b to cover a left side of the front of the bodyof the wearer. The body part 81 includes two or more buttons 84 tocouple the left-front body part 81 b to the right-front body part 81 a,or decouple the left-front body part 81 b from the right-front body part81 a.

The body part 81 is provided with a battery pocket 85 to accommodate thebattery pack 2 and the battery holder 3 therein. The fan jacket 5includes a right sleeve 82 to cover the right arm of the wearer. The fanjacket 5 includes a left sleeve 83 to cover the left arm of the wearer.

As shown in FIG. 7, the body part 81 includes first and second blowers91, 92, first and second positive side electric wires 93, 94, first andsecond negative side electric wires 95, 96, a power-supply line 97, anda ground line 98.

The first blower 91 includes a first direct-current (DC) motor 91 a anda first fan 91 c. The first fan 91 c rotates about a first rotationshaft 91 b with a driving force of the first DC motor 91 a. The secondblower 92 includes a second DC motor 92 a and a second fan 92 c, Thesecond fan 92 c rotates about a second rotation shaft 92 b with adriving force of the second DC motor 92 a. In the first embodiment, thefirst and second blowers 91, 92 are attached to a not-shown rear bodypart of the body part 81. In another embodiment, the first blower 91and/or the second blower 92 may be attached to a position different fromthe rear body part.

The first positive side electric wire 93 includes a first end connectedto a positive terminal of the first DC motor 91 a. The first positiveside electric wire 93 includes a second end connected to thepower-supply line 97. The second positive side electric wire 94 includesa first end connected to a positive terminal of the second DC motor 92a. The second positive side electric wire 94 includes a second endconnected to the power-supply line 97.

The first negative side electric wire 95 includes a first end connectedto a negative terminal of the first DC motor 91 a. The first negativeside electric wire 95 includes a second end connected to the ground line98. The second negative side electric wire 96 includes a first endconnected to a negative terminal of the second DC motor 92 a. The secondnegative side electric wire 96 includes a second end connected to theground line 98.

The body part 81 includes a plug 99. The plug 99 includes a firstconnection terminal 99 a connected to the power-supply line 97. The plug99 includes a resistor 99 d. The plug 99 includes a second connectionterminal 99 b connected to a first end of the resistor 99 d. The plug 99includes a third connection terminal 99 c directly connected to theground line 98 not through the resistor 99 d. The resistor 99 d includesa second end connected to the ground line 98.

The resistor 99 d has a resistance value corresponding to (or associatedwith) a model (or type) of the fan jacket 5. In the first embodiment,the fan jacket 5 has first through fourth models. Hereinafter, the fanjacket 5 of the first model is referred to as a first fan jacket; thefan jacket 5 of the second model is referred to as a second fan jacket;the fan jacket 5 of the third model is referred to as a third fanjacket; and the fan jacket 5 of the fourth model is referred to as afourth fan jacket.

The body part 81 includes a cord 100 attached thereto. The cord 100covers the power-supply line 97 and the ground line 98.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the plug 99 includes an insertion portion 99 eprotruding so as to be inserted into the recess 13 d of the DC connector13. The first through third connection terminals 99 a through 99 c ofthe plug 99 are provided inside the insertion portion 99 e.

The cord 100, which is placed inside the battery pocket 85, can be drawnout thereof through an opening 85 a.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12, a description is given to a procedure of avoltage control process (or a power source control process) executed bythe CPU 31 a of the control circuit 31. The voltage control process isstarted after the control circuit 31 activates upon receipt of thebattery voltage VB.

Upon the voltage control process being executed, the CPU 31 a determineswhether an electric appliance (or external unit) is connected to thebattery holder 3 in S10. Specifically, the CPU 31 a determines whether avoltage of the second connection terminal 13 b of the DC connector 13 isless than a preset connection threshold. If the voltage of the secondconnection terminal 13 b is less than the connection threshold, then theCPU 31 a determines that the electric appliance is connected to thebattery holder 3 (S10: YES). If the voltage of the second connectionterminal 13 b is equal to or higher than the connection threshold, thenthe CPU 31 a determines that the electric appliance is not connected tothe battery holder 3 (S10: NO), The electric appliance receives anoperating voltage from the battery holder 3. In the first embodiment,the heated jacket 4 and the fan jacket 5 correspond to the electricappliance.

If the electric appliance is not connected to the battery holder 3 (S10:NO), then the CPU 31 a repeatedly executes the process of S10, tothereby wait until the electric appliance is connected to the batteryholder 3. Upon the electric appliance being connected to the batteryholder 3 (S10: YES), the CPU 31 a proceeds to S20 to identify theelectric appliance connected (hereinafter, referred to as “connectedappliance”) based on the voltage of the second connection terminal 13 b.That is, the CPU 31 a determines whether the connected appliance is thefirst heated jacket, the second heated jacket, the first fan jacket, thesecond fan jacket, the third fan jacket, or the fourth fan jacket.

In S30, the CPU 31 a determines whether the connected appliance is thefirst heated jacket. If the connected appliance is the first heatedjacket (S30: YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operatingvoltage to a first voltage value V1 (for example, 10.8 V) in S40.Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltagehaving the first voltage value V1.

In S50, the CPU 31 a illuminates the fourth indicator 36 d in green andproceeds to S40.

In S30, if the connected appliance is not the first heated jacket (S30:NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S60. In S60, the CPU 31 a determineswhether the connected appliance is the second heated jacket. If theconnected appliance is the second heated jacket (S60: YES), then the CPU31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a second voltagevalue V2 (for example, 12 V) in S70. Consequently, the DC-to-DCconverter 34 outputs the operating voltage having the second voltagevalue V2.

In S80, the CPU 31 a illuminates the fourth indicator 36 d in green andthereafter proceeds to S70.

In S60, if the connected appliance is not the second heated jacket (S60:NO), then the CPU 31 a determines whether the connected appliance is thefirst fan jacket in S90. If the connected appliance is the first fanjacket (S90: YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operatingvoltage to a third voltage value V3 (for example, 10.8 V) in S100.Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltagehaving the third voltage value V3.

In S110, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first through fourth indicators 36a through 36 d in red.

In S120, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S120: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S100,If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S120:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to afourth voltage value V4 (for example, 8.7 V) in S130. Consequently, theDC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having the fourthvoltage value V4.

In S140, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first through third indicators 36a through 36 c in red.

In S150, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S150: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S130.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S150:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to afifth voltage value V5 (for example, 6.6 V) in S160. Consequently, theDC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having the fifthvoltage value V5.

In S170, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first and second indicators 36 a,36 b in red.

In S180, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S180: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S160.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S180:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to asixth voltage value V6 (for example, 4.5 V) in S190. Consequently, theDC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having the sixthvoltage value V6.

In S200, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first indicator 36 a in red.

In S210, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S210: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S190.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S210:YES), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S100.

In S90, if the connected appliance is not the first fan jacket (S90:NO), then the CPU 31 a determines whether the connected appliance is thesecond fan jacket in S220. If the connected appliance is the second fanjacket (S220: YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of theoperating voltage to a seventh voltage value V7 (for example, 8.7 V) inS230. Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operatingvoltage having the seventh voltage value V7.

In S240, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first through third indicators 36a through 36 c in red.

In S250, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S250: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S230.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S250:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage toan eighth voltage value V8 (for example, 6.6 V) in S260. Consequently,the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having theeighth voltage value V8.

In S270, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first and second indicators 36 a,36 b in red.

In S280, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S280: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S260.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S280:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to aninth voltage value V9 (for example, 4.5 V) in S290. Consequently, theDC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having the ninthvoltage value V9.

In S300, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first indicator 36 a in red.

In S310, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S310: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S290.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S310:YES), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S230.

In S220, if the connected appliance is not the second fan jacket (S220:NO), then the CPU 31 a determines whether the connected appliance is thethird fan jacket in S320.

If the connected appliance is the third fan jacket (S320: YES), then theCPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to a tenth voltagevalue V10 (for example, 7.6 V) in S330. Consequently, the DC-to-DCconverter 34 outputs the operating voltage having the tenth voltagevalue V10.

In S340, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first through fourth indicators 36a through 36 d in red.

In S350, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S350: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S330.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S350:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage toan eleventh voltage value V11 (for example, 6.9 V) in S360.Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltagehaving the eleventh voltage value V11.

In S370, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first through third indicators 36a through 36 c in red.

In S380, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S380: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S360.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S380:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to atwelfth voltage value V12 (for example, 5.2 V) in S390. Consequently,the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having thetwelfth voltage value V12.

In S400, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first and second indicators 36 a,36 b in red.

In S410, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S410: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to 8390.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S410:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to athirteenth voltage value V13 (for example, 4.5 V) in S420. Consequently,the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having thethirteenth voltage value V13.

In S430, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first indicator 36 a in red.

In S440, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S440: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S420.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S440:YES), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S330.

In S320, if the connected appliance is not the third fan jacket (S320:NO), then the CPU 31 a determines that the connected appliance is thefourth fan jacket. In S450, the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of theoperating voltage to a fourteenth voltage value V14 (for example, 6.9V), Consequently, the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operatingvoltage having the fourteenth voltage value V14.

In S460, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first through third indicators 36a through 36 c in red.

In S470, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S470: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S450.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed, (S470:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to afifteenth voltage value V15 (for example, 5.2 V) in S480. Consequently,the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having thefifteenth voltage value V15.

In S490, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first and second indicators 36 a,36 b in red.

In S500, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S500: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S480.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S500:YES), then the CPU 31 a sets the magnitude of the operating voltage to asixteenth voltage value V16 (for example, 4.5 V) in S510. Consequently,the DC-to-DC converter 34 outputs the operating voltage having thesixteenth voltage value V16.

In S520, the CPU 31 a illuminates the first indicator 36 a in red.

In S530, the CPU 31 a determines whether the short press of the manualswitch 35 has been performed. If the short press of the manual switch 35has not been performed (S530: NO), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S510.If the short press of the manual switch 35 has been performed (S530:YES), then the CPU 31 a proceeds to S450.

That is, the control circuit 31 disables the manual operation applied tothe manual switch 35 when the connected appliance is the heated jacket4. Furthermore, when the connected appliance is the heated jacket 4, thecontrol circuit 31 controls the DC-to-DC converter 34 so as to outputthe operating voltage having a fixed voltage value (that is, the firstvoltage value V1 or the second voltage value V2). More specifically, thecontrol circuit 31 fixes the magnitude of the operating voltage to thefirst voltage value V1 when the first heated jacket is connected to thebattery holder 3. The control circuit 31 fixes the magnitude of theoperating voltage to the second voltage value V2 when the second heatedjacket is connected to the battery holder 3.

The control circuit 31 enables the manual operation applied to themanual switch 35 when the connected appliance is the fan jacket 5.

More specifically, the control circuit 31 sets the maximum value of theoperating voltage to the third voltage value V3 when the first fanjacket is connected to the battery holder 3. The control circuit 31 setsthe maximum value of the operating voltage to the seventh voltage valueV7 when the second fan jacket is connected to the battery holder 3. Thecontrol circuit 31 sets the maximum value of the operating voltage tothe tenth voltage value V10 when the third fan jacket is connected tothe battery holder 3. The control circuit 31 sets the maximum value ofthe operating voltage to the fourteenth voltage value V14 when thefourth fan jacket is connected to the battery holder 3.

When the fan jacket 5 is connected to the battery holder 3, the controlcircuit 31 varies the total number of voltage values of the operatingvoltage that is selectable to a user of the battery holder 3 inaccordance with the model of the fan jacket 5. More specifically, whenthe first fan jacket or the third fan jacket is connected to the batteryholder 3, four voltage values are selectable to the user. When thesecond fan jacket or the fourth fan jacket is connected to the batteryholder 3, three voltage values are selectable to the user.

As described above, the battery holder 3 can control the magnitude ofthe operating voltage so as to conform to both the heated jacket 4 andthe fan jacket 5. Thus, the battery holder 3 is usable for both theheated jacket 4 and the fan jacket 5. Consequently, the battery holder 3can improve convenience for the user of the heated jacket 4 and the fanjacket 5.

As described above, the battery holder 3 can identify the connectedappliance by such a simple way of detecting the voltage across theresistor 63 d or the resistor 99 d.

In the first embodiment described above, the battery holder 3corresponds to one example of the voltage control device in the presentdisclosure. The battery 21 corresponds to one example of thedirect-current power source in the present disclosure. The heated jacket4 corresponds to one example of the first electric appliance in thepresent disclosure. The fan jacket 5 corresponds to one example of thesecond electric appliance in the present disclosure. The DC connector 13corresponds to one example of the appliance connector.

Furthermore, the DC-to-DC converter 34 corresponds to one example of thevoltage output circuit in the present disclosure. The control circuit 31corresponds to one example of the controller in the present disclosure.

The plug 63 corresponds to one example of the first connection plug inthe present disclosure. The plug 99 corresponds to one example of thesecond connection plug in the present disclosure.

The heated jacket 4 corresponds to one example of the heated garment inthe present disclosure. The fan jacket 5 corresponds to one example ofthe garment with a fan in the present disclosure.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment will be described focusing on a difference(s) fromthe first embodiment described above. In the second embodiment, the samenumeral references as in the first embodiment indicate the sameconfigurations as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions ofsuch configurations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 13, the system 1 of the second embodiment is differentfrom the system 1 of the first embodiment in that a thin battery 200 isprovided in place of the battery pack 2 and the battery holder 3.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the thin battery 200 includes a casing 201and the DC connector 13.

The casing 201 has a component(s) of the thin battery 200 accommodatedtherein. The DC connector 13 is provided to a surface of the casing 201.

As shown in FIG. 15, the thin battery 200 is different from the batteryholder 3 of the first embodiment in that the battery 21 is provided inaddition to the DC connector 13, the control circuit 31, the DC-to-DCconverter 34, the manual switch 35, the display 36, the overloadprotection circuit 37, the over-discharge protection circuit 38, and theresistor 39.

The DC connector 13, the battery 21, the control circuit 31, theDC-to-DC converter 34, the manual switch 35, the display 36, theoverload protection circuit 37, the over-discharge protection circuit38, and the resistor 39 are accommodated inside the casing 201. Thevoltage input terminal 34 a of the DC-to-DC converter 34 is connected tothe positive electrode of the battery 21. The overload protectioncircuit 37 is provided on the ground line 40 between the thirdconnection terminal 13 c and the negative electrode of the battery 21.

The thin battery 200 described above operates similarly to the batteryholder 3 of the first embodiment. That is, the thin battery 200 cancontrol the magnitude of the operating voltage so as to conform to boththe heated jacket 4 and the fan jacket 5. Thus, the thin battery 200 isusable for both the heated jacket 4 and the fan jacket 5. Consequently,the thin battery 200 can improve convenience for the user of the heatedjacket 4 and the fan jacket 5.

In the second embodiment described above, the thin battery 200,corresponds to one example of the voltage control device in the presentdisclosure. The battery 21 corresponds to one example of thedirect-current power source in the present disclosure. The heated jacket4 corresponds to one example of the first electric appliance in thepresent disclosure. The fan jacket 5 corresponds to one example of thesecond electric, appliance in the present disclosure.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment will be described focusing on a difference(s) fromthe first embodiment described above. In the third embodiment, the samenumeral references as in the first embodiment indicate the sameconfigurations as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions ofsuch configurations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 16, the system 1 of the third embodiment is differentfrom the system 1 of the first embodiment in that (i) a heated lapblanket 210 is provided in place of the heated jacket 4 and (ii) a firsthelmet 220 is provided in place of the fan jacket 5. As in the firstembodiment, the system 1 of the third embodiment includes the batterypack 2 and the battery holder 3.

As in the heated jacket 4 of the first embodiment, the heated lapblanket 210 includes the first through third heat generators 51 through53, the first through third positive side electric wires 54 through 56,the first through third negative side electric wires 57 through 59, thepower-supply line 60, the ground line 61, the controller 62, the plug63, and the cord 64.

The heated lap blanket 210 is different from the heated jacket 4 of thefirst embodiment in that the heated lap blanket 210 has the firstthrough third heat generators 51 through 53 mounted therein.

As in the fan jacket 5 of the first embodiment, the first helmet 220includes the first and second blowers 91, 92, the first and secondpositive side electric wires 93, 94, the first and second negative sideelectric wires 95, 96, the power-supply line 97, the ground line 98, theplug 99, and the cord 100.

The first helmet 220 is different from the fan jacket 5 of the firstembodiment in that the first and second blowers 91, 92 are attached to ahelmet main body. As shown in FIG. 17, in the third embodiment, thefirst helmet 220 includes a helmet main body 220 a and an adapter 220 b.The adapter 220 b is configured to be detachably attached to the helmetmain body 220 a. The adapter 220 b has the first and second blowers 91,92, the first and second positive side electric wires 93, 94, the firstand second negative side electric wires 95, 96, the power-supply line97, and the ground line 98 accommodated therein. In another embodiment,the first and second blowers 91, 92 may be unremovably fixed to orintegrated into the helmet main body 220 a

The DC connector 13 of the battery holder 3 is selectively connected tothe heated lap blanket 210 or the first helmet 220.

The manual switch 35 is operated by the user of the battery holder 3 soas to control the first and second blowers 91, 92.

When the heated lap blanket 210 is connected to the battery holder 3,the control circuit 31 disables the manual operation applied to themanual switch 35 and fixes the magnitude of the operating voltage. Whenthe first helmet 220 is connected to the battery holder 3, the controlcircuit 31 enables the manual operation applied to the manual switch 35.

As described above, the battery holder 3 can control the magnitude ofthe operating voltage so as to conform to both the heated lap blanket210 and the first helmet 220, Thus, the battery holder 3 is usable forboth the heated lap blanket 210 and the first helmet 220. Consequently,the battery holder 3 can improve convenience for a user of the heatedlap blanket 210 and the first helmet 220.

In the third embodiment, the heated lap blanket 210 corresponds to oneexample of the first electric appliance in the present disclosure. Thefirst helmet 220 corresponds to one example of the second electricappliance and the helmet with a fan in the present disclosure.

Fourth Embodiment

The fourth embodiment will be described focusing on a difference(s) fromthe first embodiment described above. In the fourth embodiment, the samenumeral references as in the first embodiment indicate the sameconfigurations as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions ofsuch configurations will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 18, the system 1 of the fourth embodiment is differentfrom the system 1 of the first embodiment in that (i) a handheldlighting device 230 is provided in place of the heated jacket 4 and (ii)a second helmet 240 is provided in place of the fan jacket 5. As in thefirst embodiment, the system 1 of the fourth embodiment includes thebattery pack 2 and the battery holder 3.

As shown in FIG. 19, the handheld lighting device 230 is different fromthe heated jacket 4 of the first embodiment in that (i) the firstthrough third heat generators 51 through 53, the first through thirdpositive side electric wires 54 through 56, and the first through thirdnegative side electric wires 57 through 59 are omitted and (ii) an LEDlight 231 is added.

The LED light 231 includes an anode connected to the power-supply line60. The LED light 231 includes a cathode connected to the ground line61. The LED light 231 and the controller 62 are accommodated inside acasing 232 of the handheld lighting device 230.

As shown in FIG. 20, the second helmet 240 is different from the fanjacket 5 of the first embodiment in that (i) the first and secondblowers 91, 92, the first and second positive side electric wires 93,94, and the first and second negative side electric wires 95, 96 areomitted and (ii) an LED light 241 is added.

The LED light 241 includes an anode connected to the power-supply line97. The LED light 241 includes a cathode connected to the ground line98. The LED light 241 is attached to a not-shown helmet main body. Thecord 100 covers the power-supply line 97 and the ground line 98 betweenthe LED light 241 and the plug 99.

The DC connector 13 is selectively connected to the handheld lightingdevice 230 or the second helmet 240.

The manual switch 35 is manually operated by a user of the second helmet240 so as to control the LED light 241.

When the handheld lighting device 230 is connected to the battery holder3, the control circuit 31 disables the manual operation applied to themanual switch 35 and fixes the magnitude of the operating voltage. Whenthe second helmet 240 is connected to the battery holder 3, the controlcircuit 31 enables the manual operation applied to the manual switch 35.

As described above, the battery holder 3 can control the magnitude ofthe operating voltage so as to conform to both the handheld lightingdevice 230 and the second helmet 240. Thus, the battery holder 3 isusable for both the handheld lighting device 230 and the second helmet240. Consequently, the battery holder 3 can improve convenience for theuser of the handheld lighting device 230 and the second helmet 240.

In the fourth embodiment, the handheld lighting device 230 correspondsto one example of the first electric appliance in the presentdisclosure. The second helmet 240 corresponds to one example of thesecond electric appliance in the present disclosure. The LED lights 231,241 correspond to one example of the lighting appliance in the presentdisclosure.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been describedhereinabove, the present disclosure is not limited to theabove-described embodiments and may be practiced in various forms.

For example, in the first embodiment described above, the heated jacket4 and the fan jacket 5 are in the form of an upper garment with a sleeveto cover the body and the arms of the wearer. The first embodiment mayreplace the heated jacket 4 with a heated vest, which is a sleevelessupper garment. Additionally or alternatively, the first embodiment mayreplace the fan jacket 5 with a fan vest, which is a sleeveless uppergarment.

In the first embodiment, the manual operation applied to the manualswitch 35 is disabled for the heated jacket 4, whereas the manualoperation applied to the manual switch 35 is enabled for the fan jacket5, In the first embodiment, the manual operation applied to the manualswitch 35 may be disabled for the fan jacket 5. Furthermore, the manualoperation applied to the manual switch 35 may be enabled for the heatedjacket 4.

Two or more functions of one element of the aforementioned embodimentsmay be achieved by two or more elements, and one function of one elementmay be achieved by two or more elements. Furthermore, two or morefunctions of two or more elements may be achieved by one element, andone function achieved by two or more elements may be achieved by oneelement. Furthermore, a part of the configurations of the aforementionedembodiments may be omitted. Still further, at least a part of theconfigurations of the aforementioned embodiments may be added to orreplaced with the configurations of the other above-describedembodiments.

In addition to the battery holder 3 and the thin battery 200 describedabove, the present disclosure may also be practiced in various forms,such as a program for causing a computer to function as the controlcircuit 31, a non-transitory tangible storage medium, such as asemiconductor memory, in which this program is stored, or a method forcontrolling a voltage,

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery holder comprising: a direct-currentconnector configured to be selectively connected to a heated jacket or afan jacket, the heated jacket including a heat generator, and the fanjacket including a fan; a Direct-Current to Direct-Current (DC-to-DC)converter configured to (i) receive a battery voltage from a battery and(ii) output an operating voltage to the direct-current connector basedon the battery voltage; a manual switch configured to be manuallyoperated by a user of the battery holder; and a control circuitprogrammed to: (i) control, in response to the heated jacket beingconnected to the direct-current connector, the DC-to-DC converter so asto fix the operating voltage; and (ii) control, in response to the fanjacket being connected to the direct-current connector, the DC-to-DCconverter so as to vary the operating voltage in accordance with amanual operation applied to the manual switch.
 2. A voltage controldevice comprising: an appliance connector configured to be selectivelyconnected to a first electric appliance or a second electric appliance;a voltage output circuit configured to (i) receive a direct voltage froma direct-current power source and (ii) output an operating voltage basedon the direct voltage, the operating voltage being variable; a manualswitch configured to be manually operated by a user of the voltagecontrol device; and a controller configured to: (i) control, in responseto the first electric appliance being connected to the applianceconnector, the voltage output circuit so as to fix the operatingvoltage; and (ii) control, in response to the second electric appliancebeing connected to the appliance connector, the voltage output circuitso as to vary the operating voltage in accordance with a manualoperation applied to the manual switch.
 3. The voltage control deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the first electric appliance correspondsto a first model of the first electric appliance or a second model ofthe first electric appliance, and wherein the controller is configuredto: (i) control, in response to the first model of the first electricappliance being connected to the appliance connector, the voltage outputcircuit so as to fix the operating voltage to a first voltage; and (ii)control, in response to the second model of the first electric appliancebeing connected to the appliance connector, the voltage output circuitso as to fix the operating voltage to a second voltage, and the secondvoltage being distinct from the first voltage.
 4. The voltage controldevice according to claim 2, wherein the second electric appliancecorresponds to a first model of the second electric appliance or asecond model of the second electric appliance, and wherein thecontroller is configured to: (i) control, in response to the first modelof the second electric appliance being connected to the applianceconnector, the voltage output circuit so as to vary the operatingvoltage between voltage values included in a first set of voltage valuesin accordance with the manual operation; and (ii) control, in responseto the second model of the second electric appliance being connected tothe appliance connector, the voltage output circuit so as to vary theoperating voltage between voltage values included in a second set ofvoltage values in accordance with the manual operation, the second setof voltage values including (i) more voltage values than the first setof voltage values or (ii) less voltage values than the first set ofvoltage values.
 5. The voltage control device according to claim 2,wherein the first electric appliance includes a first connection plugconfigured to be connected to the appliance connector, the firstconnection plug including a first resistor, and the first resistorhaving a first resistance value.
 6. The voltage control device accordingto claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to detect that thefirst electric appliance is connected to the appliance connector basedon a voltage across the first resistor.
 7. The voltage control deviceaccording to claim 5, wherein the first electric appliance correspondsto a first model of the first electric appliance or a second model ofthe first electric appliance, and wherein the first resistor in thefirst model of the first electric appliance has a resistance valuedistinct from a resistance value of the first resistor in the secondmodel of the first electric appliance.
 8. The voltage control deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the second electric appliance includes asecond connection plug configured to be connected to the applianceconnector, the second connection plug including a second resistor, andthe second resistor having a second resistance value.
 9. The voltagecontrol device according to claim 8, wherein the controller isconfigured to detect that the second electric appliance is connected tothe appliance connector based on a voltage across the second resistor.10. The voltage control device according to claim 8, wherein the secondelectric appliance corresponds to a first model of the second electricappliance or a second model of the second electric appliance, andwherein the second resistor in the first model of the second electricappliance has a resistance value distinct from a resistance value of thesecond resistor in the second model of the second electric appliance.11. The voltage control device according to claim 2, wherein the firstelectric appliance includes a heat generator.
 12. The voltage controldevice according to claim 11, wherein the first electric appliance isconfigured in the form of a garment including the heat generator or alap blanket including the heat generator.
 13. The voltage control deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the second electric appliance includes afan.
 14. The voltage control device according to claim 13, wherein thefan is configured to be attached to a helmet.
 15. The voltage controldevice according to claim 13, wherein the second electric appliance isconfigured in the form of a garment including the fan or a helmetincluding the fan.
 16. The voltage control device according to claim 2,wherein the first electric appliance and/or the second electricappliance are/is configured in the form of a lighting appliance.
 17. Asystem comprising: a first electric appliance configured to receive afirst operating voltage, the first operating voltage being fixed; asecond electric appliance configured to receive a second operatingvoltage, the second operating voltage being variable; and a voltagecontrol device including: an appliance connector configured to beselectively connected to the first electric appliance or the secondelectric appliance; a voltage output circuit configured to (i) receive adirect voltage from a direct-current power source and (ii) selectivelyoutput the first operating voltage or the second operating voltage basedon the direct voltage; a manual switch configured to be manuallyoperated by a user of the voltage control device; and a controllerconfigured to: (i) control, in response to the first electric appliancebeing connected to the appliance connector, the voltage output circuitso as to output the first operating voltage; and (ii) control, inresponse to the second electric appliance being connected to theappliance connector, the voltage output circuit so as to output thesecond operating voltage varied in accordance with a manual operationapplied to the manual switch.